We often opt for the food that is less in price but somewhat of the same quality. If you shop at conventional stores, most likely you will have a choice between wild caught fish and farm raised. Some time ago, I wouldn’t even think twice but go for the lesser one in price. Sure enough, farm raised beat the wild one in its affordability. However, it is worth spending more money on Wild Salmon because of all the health benefits it provides.

It is truly a superfood if found in non-polluted waters. Alaskan salmon is considered the best type of salmon due to the remote Alaskan waters where they live. In comparison, farm salmon which are housed in net cages located in the ocean close off shore, are associated with some health risks because of the antibiotics and other chemicals used to treat farmed fish.

Why Farm-Raised Salmon is Not Good For You

Farmed fish consist of more fat and less Omega-3 fatty acids due to the smaller area in which they swim, and the constant availability of food.

According to one of the studies, Farm-raised salmon contains significantly higher concentrations of PCBs, dioxin and other cancer-causing contaminants than salmon caught in the wild. Farmed fish contain higher concentrations of contaminants than wild fish largely because they are fed meal that consists of ground-up fish tainted with contaminants. Many researchers are convinced that eating farmed salmon leads to an increased cancer risk due to high amounts of PCB’s the low-quality of nutrients.

The rich pink color of wild caught salmon comes from red algae, shellfish, certain insects, and all the natural food of the ocean that they consume. Since farmed salmon are fed genetically modified grains and dead animal parts, their flesh is naturally grey. So, they are given artificial colorings to make them more appealing. The chemicals used to make it pink are canthaxanthin and astaxanthin.

So next time you are offered Salmon, make sure it is wild caught. Additionally, canned salmon would be a great affordable choice as well since farm raised salmon does not can well. Thus, they have to use a wild one. If you do choose to eat farmed salmon, the Environmental Working Group suggestseating no more than one serving of farmed salmon a month.

This article is for informational purposes only, and is educational in nature. Statements made here have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please discuss with your own, qualified health care provider before adding in supplements or making any changes in your diet. PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.